Commemoration of Fatima apparitions and plenary indulgences

A year long Jubilee in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima began on the first Sunday in Advent, November 27, 2016 and will continue until November 26, 2017.

On May 13, the anniversary of the first apparition, Pope Francis made a pilgrimage to Fatima and raised to sainthood brother and sister Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the visionaries.

During this graced time the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence for those who fulfill the necessary conditions during this Jubilee year.

“The plenary indulgence of the jubilee is granted:
a) to the faithful who visit the Shrine of Fatima (in Portugal) in pilgrimage and devotedly participate in a celebration or prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, pray the Our Father, recite the Symbol of Faith (Creed) and invoke
Our Lady of Fatima;

b) to the pious faithful who visit with devotion an image of Our Lady of Fatima solemnly displayed for public veneration in any temple, oratory or adequate place, during the days of the anniversary of the apparitions (the 13th of each month, from May to October 2017), and devotedly participate there in any celebration or prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, pray the Our Father, recite the Symbol of Faith (Creed) and invoke Our Lady of Fatima;

c) to the faithful who, due to their age, disease or other serious reason, are impeded of moving, if, repentant of all their sins and having the firm intention of performing, as soon as possible, the three conditions mentioned below, in front of a small image of Our Lady of Fatima, spiritually unite in the days of the apparitions to the Jubilee celebrations, offering with trust to God all-merciful through Mary their prayers and pains, or the sacrifices of their own lives.

“To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful, truly penitent and animated with charity, must ritually fulfill the following conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.”

The Committee on Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops notes: “Parishes and oratories may consider placing a statue of Our Lady of Fatima for public veneration throughout the year, or at least on the six anniversary dates (May 13, June 13, July 13, August 13, September 13, and October 13).

“In particular, the 100th anniversary of the first apparition on May 13 should be celebrated at parishes and oratories named in honor of Our Lady of Fatima with greater festivity, as it is also the titular solemnity for those places. Although obligatory or optional memorials occur on the other anniversary dates, except for October 13, a Votive Mass of Our Lady of Fatima could be celebrated for the pastoral advantage of the people, if the pastor or other priest celebrant judges it suitable (see General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 376).”